The bill's sponsor, Democratic Sen. Scott Dibble, says it simply adds to a list of protected categories that includes race, color, religion, sex, national origin and economic status. Dibble and OutFront Minnesota say there have been accusations of jury selection bias based on homosexuality in Minnesota.

Republican Sen. Warren Limmer questioned whether the bill could be a vehicle to force a Senate floor vote on legalizing gay marriage, which is expected to be a big issue later this session. But Dibble said he intends to proceed on that issue separately.

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